"It''s not that," Lulu shook her head with a sigh. "It''s not that. I''m just d Patricia really likes you.


    Otherwise, she might have given up waiting for you to make a move!"


    Er looked a bit downcast. "I''ve tried my best. I have to consider Patricia''s feelings too, not just rush


    things."


    He silently wished love wasn''t soplicated, pondering the challenges of winning someone''s heart.


    Emma, picking up on the subtleties, asked, "Wait, have you two not officially dated yet?" She was


    surprised, having assumed their rtionship was more developed.


    Er blushed, realizing he’d let slip more than he intended.


    "Mom, I had no choice," he tried to defend himself, mixing seriousness with a hint of jest.


    Emma frowned. "What do you mean no choice? Were you nning to keep up a pretense?"


    Er hurried to exin, "It all started with Doretta. If you hadn''t tried to set me up with her, I wouldn''t


    have turned to Patricia for help. And it turned out, Patricia felt something was off about Doretta too, so


    she was really helping our whole family."


    The room went quiet at the mention of Doretta, with everyone pausing to reflect.


    Emma looked visibly upset, processing the information.


    Nicole then rified the situation, "Doretta was undercover..."


    After hearing the full story, Emma seemed relieved yet emotional, "I thought Doretta was genuine, and


    it was hard to suspect her. It''sforting to know she wasn''t actually betraying US."


    Dexter offered his support, "Everything''s out in the open now. You don''t have to feel troubled about it


    anymore."


    He understood the emotional toll the uncertainty around Doretta had taken on Emma. Now, with


    everything resolved, she could finally let go of those concerns.


    Emma, feeling a bit relieved, nodded. "That''s really reassuring to hear."


    Nicole gently exined, "Emma, everything was kept under wraps to ensure Doretta''s safety and the


    sess of her mission. I was only briefed on it recently too."


    N?velDrama.Org content.


    Emma, now more understanding, responded, "As long as she''s alright and hasn''t done anything to


    harm US, that''s what matters." She recognized the importance of confidentiality in such sensitive


    matters.


    Dexter, curious about Doretta''s current situation, asked, "So, where is Doretta now?"


    His concern was palpable, pondering why she hadn''t returned to rify things post-mission,


    considering their home was her supposed sanctuary in the city.


    Nicole replied, "She''s been assigned further duties and couldn''te to exin in person. But she


    promised to visit US next time she''s in town."


    Emma''s concern was evident, "Off to another assignment, then? Is it going to be dangerous?"


    Acknowledging the risks, Nicole assured her, "There are always risks, but Doretta is skilled and


    capable. She''ll be fine, so there''s no need to worry."


    Emma mused aloud on Doretta''s choice, "Such a gentle soul, yet she''s chosen such a tough path."


    Nicole, with a hint of admiration,mented, "When someone is talented and gets such an


    opportunity, it''s natural they''d embrace it wholeheartedly."


    Having been part of that world herself, Nicole understood the call of duty and was always prepared to


    assist if needed again.


    The family''s conversation flowed easily, the meal a time for unity and peace, cherishing this time


    together in a serene and joyful gathering. Today was about rxation and enjoying the warmth of


    family.